Valance



Nov. 26, 1963 c. s. GEHRIE 3,112,013

VALANCE Filed Dec. 7, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l WWI/I IIIIIIIIIIIIIII7 INVENTOR. FIG 3 CHARLES sqEHmE ATTORNEY Nov. 26, 1963 c. s. GEHRIE 3,112,018

v VALANCE Filed Dec. 7, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 c/' 464 kz c INVENTOR.

CHAR LE5 5- GEH RIE ATTORNEY 3,1 12,018 Patented Nov. 26, 1 963 I re 3,112,018 VALANCE Charles S. Gehrie, Montelair, Ndl, assignor to Presto Look (10., Garfield, N.J., a limited partnership Filed Dec. 7, 1962, Ser. No. 243,069 4 Claims. ((11. 1%23) The invention relates to improvements in valances for luggage.

There is presently on the market a luggage case wherein the peripheral edges of the usual opposed concave case sections have respectively secured thereto valance strips which are constructed to provide a recess or channel when the luggage case is closed. The purpose of the recess is to permit the mounting therein of the luggage hardware (lock, handle support and hinges) and thereby minimize the irregularities which would otherwise project from the case because of the presence of the hardware.

In this prior art form of luggage, one valance strip is made with a tongue which extends laterally from a dependent flange or shoulder. The second valance strip includes a dependent flange having a substantially V-shaped groove formed therein. The tongue on the one strip and the groove in the second strip are located on levels so that when the luggage case is closed the free end of the tongue may interfit within the groove to furnish a recess the base of which is furnished by the tongue and the side walls of which are furnished by the depending fiange on each of the two strips. The recess is present only when the valance strips are interfitted with one another, that is, when the luggage case is in closed condition.

A valance made in accordance with my invention differs from the described prior art construction in the fundamental respect that a channel is provided for the mounting of hardware therein independently of the cooperation or interfitting of a pair of valance strips. In accordance with the invention, a valance member is constructed to furnish a channel which is an integral part of a single valance member whereby the channel is present whether or not the luggage case is in open or closed condition. By providing the channel Within a single valance member independently of the relationship of one valance member with a second valance member, a number of significant advantages are afforded both from the standpoint of luggage manufacture and of end product utility.

With the channel provided as an integral part of but one valance member, close manufacturing tolerances are not required in order to obtain a suitable interfitting of parts. The problem of precisely matching or mating a pair of valance members, particularly at the areas where they must be bent or curved to conform to the curvature of the case sections peripheral edges, is obviated. Since interfitting of the case sections at their edges is not encumbered by the necessity to additionally form a channel, a comparatively wide range of manufacturing tolerances is permitted. In use, when the luggage case is subjected to the usual abuse causing distortion of the valance members and misalignment of the case sections, interfit-ting which does not require precise alignment of narrowly matching parts permits the luggage case to function suitably though substantial distortion and misalignment have resulted.

By providing the channel as an integral part of a single valance member, a high measure of dimensional control of the channel may be obtained, thereby enabling the mounting of the hardware within the channel with a high degree of accuracy. Since both side walls of the channel are a fixed part of the valance member, the location or gauging of the mounting holes for the locks, handle support and hinges may be accomplished with respect to both side walls and with a high degree of accuracy. Since the locks are positioned in a channel the Walls of which are fixedly related, the locks are better protected and will continue to function properly though the initial character of the interfitting of the valance members may have been altered, as when the luggage case sections have been distorted or misaligned as the result of abuse in use. Furthermore, since the valance of the invention provides the channel in which the locks are positioned independently of its formation by a pair of narrowly inter'fitted parts, the valance member which cooperates with the channel-containing valance member may be of substantial thickness or quite blunt, thereby eliminating a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury to the customer or user of the luggage.

These, and other advantages and improved results of the novel valance construction of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with a preferred form of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luggage case including the valance of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately in the plane of line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately in the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 1, the lock being shown in elevation;

FIG. 4 is a view looking toward the bottom side of a luggage case made with the valance of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately in the plane of line 55 of FIG. 4.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3, a valance member A made in accordance with the invention is preferably formed as an extrusion of a suitable aluminum alloy, whereby the portions of the valance member about to be described are integrally connected to one another as a single unitary piece. Although aluminum and an extrusion thereof is preferred, the valance member A may be made of other metals, such as magnesium or steel, or of a suitable rigid plastic material.

The valance member A comprises a longitudinally extending web 10 having a pair of laterally spaced ribs projecting from and extending longitudinally of the web. One of the ribs, or the first rib 12, is laterally spaced from a longitudinal edge 14 of the web to provide a web portion 16 adapted for connection to a case section C constituting one of a pair of opposed concave case sections. The second concave case section is designated C and the respective peripheral edges of the case sections are designated 18 and 18'. The peripheral edges are adapted to be positioned in substantial juxtaposition when the luggage case, generally designated L, is in closed condition, as shown in FIG. 1. The case sections may be of any suitable wear-resistant material; they may be made by molding a suitable plastic material to furnish substantially rigid shells, they may be of drawn aluminum, or they may be of leather or leather-like material. A continuous length of the valance is cut to a length substantially equal to the overall length of the peripheral edge 18 of the case section C and bent to conform to the contour of the peripheral edge. The free ends 20, 20' of the valance member A are preferably located in juxtaposition on the bottom of the luggage case where the ends may be bridged or con cealed by a bridging plate or by one of the hinges H (FIG. 4). The valance member is secured to the peripheral edge of the case section, as by headed rivets 22 which are extended through the thickness of the case section and through openings provided in the web portion 16 in a number of longitudinally spaced areas. The rib 12 serves as a stop or abutment for the proper location of the case sections peripheral edge 18.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second rib 24 which projects from the web extends substantially parallel to the rib 12 so that the pair of spaced ribs and the web portion 26 which is intermediate the ribs provide a channel 28. The spacing between the ribs 12 and 24 and the height of the ribs are dimensionally selected to provide a channel having a width and depth to permit the recessing of a lock or locks M and a handle support N within the channel 28 so that a substantially flush or regular appearance is provided for the luggage case. The web portion 26 serves as a means for connecting the locks and handle support and hinges to the valance member. The fixedly related ribs 12 and 24 permit accurate gauging for placement of the holes in the intermediate web portion so that the hardware or locks, handle support and hinges may be uniformly and accurately positioned within the valence member. The hardware may be provided with tangs 27 which after being extended through the holes 29 (FIG. 3) may be bent over near their ends to furnish a secure connection. The locks, handle support and hinges may be of any desired structure dimensionally selected for mounting in the channel 28, and do not constitute part of the present invention. The handle support N may 'be in the form of an elongated band having a thickness so that its upper face will be flush with the top edges of the ribs 12 and 24. As illustrated in FIG. 1, such form of handle support may be provided with a central projecting portion 30 the ends of which are provided with apertures to receive the inturned ends of a handle 32.

In the illustrated and preferred form of the invention, the valance member A is formed to furnish a sidewardly open channel 34 which is adapted to receive the peripheral edge 18 of the case section C to protect the peripheral edge and to provide a finished and pleasing appearance. Also, the valance member A is formed to provide a second sidewardly open channel 36 on the opposite side of the valance member. The channel 36 is adapted to receive the peripheral edge 18' of the opposing case section C, or a valance member B which may be secured to the peripheral edge 18'. Although the assembly of the valance member B with the case section C is preferred because of the reinforcement it imparts to the edge of the case section and for the finished appearance it furnishes for the case section edge, it is within the scope of the invention to omit the valance member B where the case sections are of a rigid material such as drawn aluminum.

The sidewardly open channel 34 is provided by a flange 38 located at the upper edge of the rib 12 extending longitudinally with the rib and rearwardly with respect thereto. The flange, which is in parallel relationship to the web portion 16, together with the rib 12 and the web portion 16, constitute the outline for the channel 34. In order to furnish a close fit with the case section whose peripheral edge is received within the sidewardly open channel, a bead 40 may be provided to extend downwardly from the rear edge of the flange 38, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The second sidewardly and oppositely opening channel 36 is provided by a flange 42 which extends forwardly from the upper edge of the rib 24 and a lip or flange 44 which extends forwardly from the lower edge of the rib. The flange 42 extends longitudinally and parallel to the web 10 and is preferably on the same level as the flange 38. The lip 44 may be considered to constitute an extension of the web 10 and, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, possesses a cross-section which will resist deformation or damage, as well as provide a lead-in with sufficient clearance to receive the peripheral edge of valance member B about the edge of the case section C. The channel 36 is of substantial width and depth to allow not only the thickness of the case section to be received therein, but the additional thickness furnished by the valance member B, with some clearance. The flanges 3S and 42 may be left smooth or plain, or they may be provided with striations or other forms of decorative effects.

The valance member B preferably is formed as an aluminum extrusion having the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. If desired, the valance member B may be formed from metal strip which is bent to the illustrated contour, or it may be made of molded plastic material. This valance member comprises a portion 46 of substantial width as compared to the parallel portion 48 to which it is connected by an intermediate base or nose portion 50. When assembled with the case section C, the base portion 50 is disposed adjacent the leading edge of the case sections periphery with the portion 48 located on the top surface of the case section. The portion 48 is comparatively short so that when the luggage case is closed, it will be concealed by the flange 42. The portion 46 of the valance member B serves as a means for securing the valance member to the case section, as by headed rivets 52 extended through the thickness of the case section and through suitable openings provided in the portion 46 at longitudinally spaced intervals. The underside of the portion 46 may be provided with a short bead 54 which serves as a locating stop for a hasp 56 (FIG. 3) which cooperates with the lock M when the luggage case is closed. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the portion 46 of the valance B provides a base for connection of the hasp thereto, and the same rivets 52 which serve to secure the valance member B to the case section may be extended through appropriate openings provided in the hasp 56 to secure the hasp in position. Also, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hinges H may be fastened in position by rivets extended through the web portion 16 of the valance memher A and the portion 46 of the valance member B.

It is believed that the advantages and improved results furnished by the valance of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. It will be understood that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

I claim:

I. A valance member for a luggage case formed of a pair of opposed concave sections having peripheral edges adapted to be positioned in substantial juxtaposition when the case is closed, said valance member being integrally formed and comprising a longitudinally extending web, a first rib projecting from the outer side of and extending longitudinally of the web, said rib being laterally spaced from a longitudinal edge of the web to provide a web portion adapted for connection to an overlying case section and an abutment for the peripheral edge of a case section, a first flange extending rearwardly from said rib in spaced, substantially parallel relationship with respect to said web portion, said web portion, rib and flange providing a sidewardly open channel adapted to receive the peripheral edge of a case section, a second rib projecting from the outer side of said web laterally spaced from said first rib and extending substantially parallel with respect thereto, the extent of projection of said first and second ribs from said web being substantially equal, the ribs and the web portion intermediate the ribs providing an outwardly open channel having a width and depth to permit positioning a lock and handle support therein for connection to the intermediate web portion, and a second flange lying in substantially the same plane as said first flange extending from said second rib adapted to receive the peripheral edge of the opposed case section therebeneath.

2. A valance member for a luggage case formed of a pair of opposed concave sections having peripheral edges adapted to be positioned in substantial juxtaposition when the case is closed, said valance member being integrally formed and comprising a longitudinally extending web, a first rib projecting from and extending longitudinally of the web, said rib being laterally spaced from a longitudinal edge of the web to provide a web portion adapted for connection to a case section, a flange extending rearwardly from said rib in spaced, substantially parallel relationship with respect to said web portion, said web portion, rib and flange providing a sidewardly open channel adapted to receive the peripheral edge of a case section, a second rib projecting from said web laterally spaced from said first rib and extending substantially parallel thereto, the ribs and the web portion intermediate the ribs providing a channel having a width and depth to permit positioning a look and a handle support therein for connection to the intermediate web portion, a flange extending forwardly from said second rib, and a lip extending forwardly from the said second rib in spaced, substantially parallel relationship with respect to the forwardly extending flange to provide a :sidewardly open channel adapted to receive the peripheral edge of an opposed case section.

3. A valance member for a luggage case formed of a pair of opposed concave sections having peripheral edges adapted to be positioned in substantial juxtaposition when the case is closed, said valance member being integrally formed and comprising a longitudinally extending web, a first rib projecting from and extending longitudinally of the web, said rib being laterally spaced from a longitudinal edge of the web to provide a web portion adapted for connection to a case section, a flange extending rearwardly from the upper edge of said rib substantially parallel to said web portion, said web portion, rib and flange providing a sideward-ly open .channel adapted to receive the peripheral edge of a case section, a second rib projecting from said web laterally spaced from said first rib and extending substantially parallel with respect thereto, the ribs and the web portion intermediate the ribs providing a channel having a width and depth to permit positioning a lock and handle support therein for connection to the intermediate web portion, a flange extending forwardly from the upper edge of said second rib, and a lip extending forwardly from the lower edge of said second rib to provide a sidewardly open channel adapted to receive the peripheral edge of an opposed case section.

4. A valance for a luggage case formed of a pair of opposed concave sections having peripheral edges adapted to be positioned in substantial juxtaposition when the case is closed, said valance comprising a pair of valance members, the first valance member comprising a longitudinally extending web, a first rib projecting from and extending longitudinally of the web, said rib being laterally spaced from a longitudinal edge of the web to provide a web portion adapted for connection to a case section, a flange extending rearwardly from the upper edge of said rib substantially parallel to said web portion, said web portion, rib and flange providing a sidewardly open channel adapted to receive the peripheral edge of a case section, a second rib projecting from said web laterally spaced from said first rib and extending substantially parallel with respect thereto, the ribs and the web portion intermediate the ribs providing a channel having a width and depth to permit positioning a lock and handle support therein for connection to the intermediate web portion, a flange extending forwardly from the upper edge of said second rib, and a lip extending forwardly from the lower edge of said second rib to provide a sidewardly open channel; the second valance member comprising a base portion and a pair of spaced flanges extending from the same side of the base portion adapted to receive the peripheral edge of an opposing case section therebetween, the second valance member being adapted to be positioned in the last-mentioned sidewardly open channel of the first valance member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,950,793 Axtell Aug. 30, 1960 

1. A VALANCE MEMBER FOR A LUGGAGE CASE FORMED OF A PAIR OF OPPOSED CONCAVE SECTIONS HAVING PERIPHERAL EDGES ADAPTED TO BE POSITIONED IN SUBSTANTIAL JUXTAPOSITION WHEN THE CASE IS CLOSED, SAID VALANCE MEMBER BEING INTEGRALLY FORMED AND COMPRISING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING WEB, A FIRST RIB PROJECTING FROM THE OUTER SIDE OF AND EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF THE WEB, SAID RIB BEING LATERALLY SPACED FROM A LONGITUDINAL EDGE OF THE WEB TO PROVIDE A WEB PORTION ADAPTED FOR CONNECTION TO AN OVERLYING CASE SECTION AND AN ABUTMENT FOR THE PERIPHERAL EDGE OF A CASE SECTION A FIRST FLANGE EXTENDING REARWARDLY FROM SAID RIB IN SPACED, SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL RELATIONSHIP WITH RESPECT TO SAID WEB PORTION, SAID WEB PORTION, RIB AND FLANGE PROVIDING A SIDEWARDLY OPEN CHANNEL ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THE PERIPHERAL EDGE OF A CASE SECTION, A SECOND RIB PROJECTING FROM THE OUTER SIDE OF SAID WEB LATERALLY SPACED FROM SAID FIRST RIB AND EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL WITH RESPECT THERETO, THE EXTENT OF PROJECTION OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND RIBS FROM SAID WEB BEING SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL, THE RIBS AND THE WEB PORTION INTERMEDIATE THE RIBS PROVIDING AN OUTWARDLY OPEN CHANNEL HAVING A WIDTH AND DEPTH TO PERMIT POSITIONING A LOCK AND HANDLE SUPPORT THEREIN FOR CONNECTION TO THE INTERMEDIATE WEB PORTION, AND A SECOND FLANGE LYING IN SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME PLANE AS SAID FIRST FLANGE EXTENDING FROM SAID SECOND RIB ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THE PERIPHERAL EDGE OF THE OPPOSED CASE SECTION THEREBENEATH. 